Table of Contents

Safety in Bolivia

In GeneralBolivia as having a risk of Zika virus transmission. For more information and advice, visit the website of the National Travel Health Network and Centre website. There is a risk of ‘express kidnappings’. Take care when travelling around Bolivia, particularly when you first arrive. If you take a taxi, use a registered company.

Tourist VisaTourist visas are required for entry into Bolivia for citizens of the United States and a few other countries. More info's about visa requirement per country here. The visa for most nationalities is valid for 30 days, and extensions are possible at immigration offices in Bolivia. If arriving from Peru overland, such as at the Lake Titicaca crossing, US citizens can obtain a Bolivia tourist visa at the border. You will need to bring all the documentation listedhere

Stay longerFor a cumulative stay of no more than 90 days. More info'shere

Travel Blogger "Jessie on a journey" about safety in BoliviaBefore heading to Bolivia, I was warned about dangerous locals who were out to get tourists. This, as usual, was advice given to me by people who had never actually visited the country. In my experience, most of the locals I met were extremely friendly and excited to get to know more about my culture. A bit of Spanish may be necessary for this, as many Bolivians don’t speak English. Even so, if you need help most locals will try their best to point you in the right direction.Of course, watch your belongings and use common sense; however, I traveled through the country as a solo female and made it through without a problem.

PickpocketersThe main concern in the cities is pickpocketing. Never walk around with your big DSLR swinging around your neck or your iPhone on display. Also, don’t get drunk and walk home to your hostel – this is a recipe for being mugged.

TransportationBe careful in bus stations across the country, particularly if you’re arriving late at night or twilight. Try and get buses that arrive during the day or early morning. In the latter case, grab a coffee in a café in the terminal until it’s light outside and there are other people on the street.

There are more accidents on Bolivian roads than in most other places, so always pay more to go with one of the more reputable companies (Trans Copacabana MEM, El Dorado and Bolivar) where possible. In terms of comfort, buses aren’t great in Bolivia, particularly compared to those in other Southern American countries. Don’t expect buses to leave on time or arrive on time.

When trying to book a cama (a 160° reclining seat), always ask for “cama tres filas” (three seats in a row rather than four) otherwise it’s not actually cama and you will be disappointed and uncomfortable.

In general, there are either no toilets on board the bus, or they will be locked or broken. Expect the drivers to stop once at the side of the road for a toilet break, or ask them to stop if you need to go desperately.

TaxisDon’t hail taxis on the streets, the driver takes you to an ATM and forces you to empty your bank account, have been known. Book a radio taxi through your hostel or walk; most of the main sights are located close to Plaza Mayor so unless you’re coming back at night time from a bar, you shouldn’t need a taxi to get around the city. If you have a Smartphone you can call a taxi by easytaxi.

Inland flightsFly from La Paz to Rurrenabaque rather than take the 24-hour (at least) bus journey. Honestly – it’s worth the extra cost.

Other Tips for Bolivia TravelersThere are a lot of misconceptions about Bolivia and its cities, primarily being that backpacking in Bolivia is unsafe. Of course, every city in every country in the world has parts where you shouldn’t go at night; La Paz and other Bolivian cities are no exception. Seek advice from other travelers and local people about where you can venture further afield.

What to See

La PazThe de facto capital, arriving here is breath-taking not just for the altitude (the airport is at 4, 061m above sea level) but the city itself, which seems to be lurching down the edge of a plateau and into the valley below. Discover the alleyways blooming with artisanal goods and the cherry on the top: the incredible Witches Market. If you’re in need of a remedy, here’s where you’ll find it.

Uyuni And TupizaIf you want to visit the most famous landmark of all when backpacking in Bolivia, the Salar de Uyuni, you have no real choice but to visit this dusty, uninspiring town. Most travellers try and minimise the amount of time they actually spend here, preferring to get an overnight bus from La Paz and taking a tour directly from Uyuni the following morning. You’ll find that accommodation and restaurant options here are limited, overpriced and poor quality, so you’re best off following other travellers’ lead. That said, I took a salt flats tour from Tupiza, which is another three or four hours from La Paz. Tupiza is a much nicer little town.

Sucre Is the place where most people backpacking in Bolivia get stuck; lured by the comfy cafés, elegant white buildings, museums and accessible Andean mountains skirting the city. At 2,810m above sea level, it’s also at a slightly more manageable altitude than La Paz. It’s also got history in spades. But Sucre’s also just a cool city with plenty of nice bars, an excellent market to explore and buy food from and where some excellent adventures can be found on its outskirts. There’s also a good network of other travellers here, so you’ll never be at a loss for people to hang out or to join you as you travel in Bolivia.

Copacabana and Isla del SolNot to be confused with the Copacabana (“at the Copa, Copacabana”), Bolivia’s Lake Titicaca-side Copacabana has nothing on the famous Brazilian beach, so don’t even expect a comparison. Instead, Copacabana is the prime location for a spectacular sunset over the gleaming waters of South America’s largest lake and where to take a boat trip to Isla del Sol. Food is expensive and uninspired here; there are also few places to buy snacks and other essentials on the island.

Santa Cruz de la SierraBolivia's street art scene is on the rise, and many artists use the art form to convey both political and social issues affecting the people of the region. The collective has many works on display throughout the city. Jutting out of the Amazon basin are geologically impressive sand dunes situated just 45 minutes outside the city of Santa Cruz de la Sierra, a must-see for anyone visiting the eastern lowlands. While it's no easy trip, a 4x4 is crucial and the road easily floods during rainy season making it near impossible to visit during a few months of the year, the stunning views and spectacular wildlife sightings make the desert excursion worth every effort.

RurrenabaqueAlthough Rurre (as the locals call it) isn’t much to write home about, I fell in love with the region, mainly because it still felt raw and like you were on the very edges of civilisation, about to plunge head first into one of the globe’s most complex ecosystems: the Amazon Rainforest. It’s also not a city. It’s barely a town; just a collection of dusty streets riddled with Bolivians driving around like maniacs on motorbikes and scooters. But it’s still an unmissable stop-off when you’re backpacking in Bolivia. Tours into the nearby Parque Madidi (one of the most diverse places on the planet) can be easily organized using any one of the dozens of companies located around the town.

Insider

Travel cheapIt is nearly impossible to NOT travel cheaply in Bolivia. Mostly cheaper to eat in the markets and small restaurants (where the locals eat not the tourists) than buy your own food to prepare.

HostalThere is less of a hostel network than in surrounding countries. But you can still find cheap lodging in budget hotels (called a hostal in Bolivia).

BusesLong-distance buses are ridiculously cheap, but they are also not very comfortable or safe. Be sure to dress very warmly and even have a blanket or sleeping bag with you. The roads in Bolivia are not-so-great, the mountain passes are dangerous, and there have been problems with the bus drivers drinking. Of course, most travelers make it to their destinations fine. It just wasn’t worth the risk of falling off the side of a cliff, so I opted for flying whenever I could because I found it was still quite cheap and within my budget. Source

Tarija Tarija in Bolivia features an undiscovered wine region. Surprisingly enjoyable, what makes these grapes unique is they’re grown in the high Andean.Source

Newsletter

* indicates required

Email Address *

First Name

Last Name

Organization

Country

The NGO Map of Bolivia

Where to Volunteer

Communidad Inti Wara Yassi Conservation (3 Places)

Mission of Comunidad Inti Wara YassiFor more than 20 years CIWY has been working for the benefit of wildlife rescued from illegal trafficking, giving disadvantaged youth a sense of purpose through involvement with wildlife care, and educating the Bolivian public to respect wildlife. Wildlife trafficking, conserving wild flora and fauna, as well as rescuing animals which have been victims of mistreatment and illegal trading.

Volunteering Program CIWY is looking for volunteers, to support there 3 Wildlife Custody Centers in Bolivia. Machía (Cochabamba), Ambue Ari (Santa Cruz) and Jacj Cuisi (north of La Paz) Working with endangered and rescued animals and helping with construction of enclosures and maintenance of the centers.

Mission of Luz del MundoLuz del Mundo is a home minding child center in Santa Cruz, Bolivia. The aim of the organization is to give children education support which growing up with one parent. They offer English classes and other activities like theater, music and cultural studies. These children live in absolute basic conditions and are in real need of an escape from their common lives, living in poor neighborhoods.

Volunteer Programs Teach English, music, theater or any other skills that could help there organization. Also sport activities, computer, help with homework and all what helps running the center.

Mission of Fox Language Academy A Non-profit making institution, dedicated to teaching English, Quechua and Spanish. 120 local students studying English and 50 studying Quechua each year. They're looking for people to teach English to small classes of local children or adults in the afternoons or evenings at there language academy. Work alongside one of there professional language teachers or tackle a class on your own!

Volunteer Programs There students enjoy the involvement of foreign English speakers and your help is essential for correcting pronunciation. Some Spanish language skills are useful but not essential. Your input is always welcome in making the lessons easier or more fun for the students.

Mission of Proyecto HorizonteProyecto Horizonte is a non-profit and non-governmental organization based in Cochabamba, Bolivia. Proyecto Horizonte has implemented new programs and continued to adapt to the community. They support programs for children, youth and adults in the areas of health, education and community development.

Volunteer Programs Make a difference in there local community. Help at the day care, kindergarten and the youth center. Play with kids while improving your Spanish. Activities like singing, dancing, theater, circus and more.

Mission of FUNPROBOIn Bolivia, a large number of people lack the necessary income for good healthcare. For them losing a limb means losing mobility and independence. Without mobility, many lose their jobs, families and futures. But we at FUNPROBO are changing that. FUNPROBO is a non-profit organisation providing low income Bolivian amputees with prosthetic limbs.

Mission of BiblioWorksBiblioWorks a non-profit organization which promotes education and literacy in communities in need. They believe that healthy communities require healthy minds. That's why they have been building libraries, supplying books and training librarians in the poorest communities of Bolivia since 2005.

Volunteer Programs Make true experience with Bolivian culture, through the adventure of working directly with communities in needs.

Mission of Artesania SorataThe quality and versatility of their products reflects their history. They offer high quality alpaca knitwear and original handcrafts made from hand spun sheep’s wool. Artesania Sorata provides work for families with low incomes in both rural and urban Bolivia.

Volunteer Programs You have to bring good knowledge of Spanish, although we can consider receiving assistant volunteers who are learning Spanish.

Mission of Condor TrekkersCondortrekkers has offered city tours of Sucre and hikes in the local area including the spectacular Cordillera de los Frailes and the magnificent crater of Maragua. 100% of the profits from these treks are directly invested in the communities through which the clients hike, as well as several established social projects within Sucre.

Volunteer Programs Guiding and tourism experience are certainly an advantage however an outgoing personality and good social skills are sufficient and we will train you up on the rest.

Mission of CEDESOLCEDESOL (the Center for Development with Solar Energy) a not-for-profit foundation in Cochabamba, Bolivia. Prior to its incorporation, the founders gained expertise in solar and biomass technology by designing, building and promoting ecological cooking systems. Transference of practical knowledge and technology from the experts to local people.

Volunteer Programs Self-starters who work well without supervision, communicate in at least basic Spanish, be interested in and/or have experience in our field of work, bring computer literate, be a good team player.

Mission of Habitat Green FoundationThe nature of Habitat Green Foundation (FHV) is environmental, aimed at developing strategies and programs to protect the environment in the social, economic, political and cultural environment (sustainable development).

Volunteer Programs The work changes based on the current projects of FHV, but may include grant development, translating, communications, project development, project support, environmental education, manual development, etc.